The Department of Health, Corrections Victoria and the Community Offenders Advice and Treatment Service (COATS) jointly developed this operations protocol in 1998. With changes to operating procedures and priorities, a reviewed protocol has been signed by COATS, Corrections Victoria and DH for release to drug treatment agencies.

The purpose of the protocol is to govern the operational relationship between COATS and Community Correctional Services (CCS). Hence, it should be viewed as a living document, which may be altered with the agreement of senior management of all parties in response to operational realities that may arise.